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Can I take antihistamines (an OTC drug) when pregnant?

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Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Can I take antihistamines (an OTC drug) when pregnant?
Answered by Dr. Gowrimeena

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Gowrimeena is a skilled Obstetrician and Gynecologist with extensive clinical experience. She specializes in comprehensive women’s health care, including pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum management. Her expertise spans both routine and high-risk obstetric cases, as well as advanced gynecological treatments. She is known for her patient-centered approach and commitment to women’s well-being at every stage of life.

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Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Antihistamines are used to treat allergy symptoms. We have two generations of antihistamines:

First generation antihistamines like Chlorpheniramine, Dimenhydrinate, Diphenhydramine, Doxylamine are considered safe to use during pregnancy. These medications have a sedative effect (cause sleepiness).

The newer non-sedating antihistamines like Cetirizine, Desloratadine, Fexofenadine, and Loratadine are best avoided in pregnancy as we have no strong evidence confirming its safety in pregnancy.

Hope this helps.

Consult a general medicine physician online for further queries.

Answered by Dr. Gowrimeena
Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At October 16, 2014
Reviewed At May 6, 2025

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Gowrimeena is a skilled Obstetrician and Gynecologist with extensive clinical experience. She specializes in comprehensive women’s health care, including pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum management. Her expertise spans both routine and high-risk obstetric cases, as well as advanced gynecological treatments. She is known for her patient-centered approach and commitment to women’s well-being at every stage of life.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

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Dr. Gowrimeena
Dr. Gowrimeena

Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Gowrimeena is a skilled Obstetrician and Gynecologist with extensive clinical experience. She specializes in comprehensive women’s health care, including pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum management. Her expertise spans both routine and high-risk obstetric cases, as well as advanced gynecological treatments. She is known for her patient-centered approach and commitment to women’s well-being at every stage of life.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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